Eugene A. Fahey

Eugene Fahey
Eugene “Gene” Arthur Fahey, 86, of Fergus Falls, died Friday, August 1, 2014, at the MN Veterans Home, Fergus Falls.

He was born September 10, 1927, in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Thomas Henry and Olga Marie (Olson) Fahey. He grew up in Grand Forks and attended school at Saint James Academy, graduating high school in 1945. Gene attended Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science in 1952.

In June 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in WWII at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Air/Sea Rescue. He was honorably discharged in August 1946.

Gene returned to Grand Forks where he met Phyllis Louise Christiansen, the love of his life. They were united in Holy Matrimony on April 10, 1948, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oakwood, ND and enjoyed fifty-five years of life together.

Gene worked as an Accountant in the District Office for Otter Tail Power Company in Fergus Falls, starting in August 1955. He was transferred to Oakes, ND, as an Assistant Office Manager and then to Langdon, ND, also as an Assistant Office Manager. In 1979, Gene transferred to the General Office in Fergus Falls and worked as a Payroll Accountant, retiring in 1992 after more than 37 years of employment.

He was a member of American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and MN Patriot Guard Riders where he was Assistant for MN Veterans Home-Fergus Falls. Gene was also president of Lions Club in Oakes, ND, and played second base on the original Our Lady of Victory Church Softball Team.

Gene and Phyllis were devoted volunteers for Godchild, now known as Common Hope. Following a working trip to the mission site, Gene collected nearly 4,000 pairs of new and gently used shoes, as well as school supplies, for the children of Guatemala. They also solicited donations and shipped several containers of medical equipment and supplies for a hospital to serve the children and their families.

Gene found his “other home” as a volunteer at the MN Veterans Home- Fergus Falls where he spent thousands of hours serving his fellow veterans in a variety of ways. He will be especially remembered for his generous spirit, Irish wit and smile, and Vikings Football Sundays.

In 2008, Gene received the Jefferson Award for public service in recognition of his lifelong commitment to giving back to the community and volunteerism. He is an 'Unsung Hero' - an ordinary person doing extraordinary things with no expectation of recognition. Gene was also the recipient of the 2011 District C Volunteer of the Year Award presented by Aging Services of Minnesota and in 2013, received the inaugural Service of Excellence Award from the MN Veterans Home – Fergus Falls.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Phyllis; infant son, Timothy; daughter, Roberta; siblings, Earl, Blanche, Eleanor and Robert.

He is survived by his daughters, Jeanne Blake of Reisterstown, MD and Maureen Fahey of Fergus Falls; son-in-law, Stanley LaSov of Reisterstown, MD; goddaughter, Cindy Sinay of Antiqua, Guatemala; sisters-in-law, Patricia Fahey of Hartford, WI and Mary Fahey of Mansfield, TX. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and an abundance of friends.

Gene wanted to be remembered as a humble and caring man.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family are requested which will be divided to two of Gene’s favorite charities – the Carmelite Monastery near Wahpeton, ND and the MN Veterans Home for a special fund designated for celebrating St. Patrick’s Days.

Visitation: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2014 at Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. Rosary at 4:00 p.m. Visitation resumes one hour prior to the service at the church
Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2014 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Elizabeth
Clergy: Father Jeff Ethen
Military Participation: Fergus Falls American Legion Post 30
Burial: St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls